Skyroot Successfully Test Fires Stage-2 of Vikram 1 Space Launch Vehicle

Skyroot Aerospace, the leading space-tech company, has successfully test-fired the Stage-2 of Vikram-1 space launch vehicle, called Kalam-250, at the propulsion testbed of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), at its Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday.

Technical Specifications and Achievements

The tested component, designated as Kalam-250, demonstrated impressive performance metrics:

• Test duration: 85 seconds
• Peak sea-level thrust: 186 kilonewtons (kN)
• Projected vacuum thrust: 235kN during actual flight

Advanced Materials and Technology

The Kalam-250 showcases cutting-edge technology:

• Constructed with high-strength carbon composite
• Utilizes solid fuel propulsion
• Features a high-performance Ethylene-Propylene-Diene terpolymers (EPDM) Thermal Protection System

Critical Design Elements

The Stage-2 engine incorporates several crucial components:

1. Carbon ablative flex nozzle
2. High-precision electro-mechanical actuators for thrust vector control
3. VSSC-supplied proprietary head-mounted safe arm (HMSA) for enhanced operational safety

Significance for India’s Space Sector

Private Sector Milestones

This test represents multiple achievements:

• Largest propulsion system designed and manufactured by India’s private sector
• First carbon-composite-built motor tested at an ISRO facility
• Follows Skyroot’s successful launch of Vikram-S, India’s first private suborbital rocket, in November 2022

Collaborative Efforts

The project highlights successful collaboration between:

• Skyroot Aerospace
• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
• Solar Industries (propellant processing in Nagpur)
• IN-SPACe (regulatory body)

Future Prospects

Roadmap to Orbital Launch

Skyroot’s leadership has outlined their vision:

• CEO Pawan Chandana emphasized this test as a crucial step toward orbital launch capability
• COO Naga Bharath Daka confirmed the successful validation of the flex nozzle control system
• The company aims for the maiden orbital launch of Vikram-1 in 2024

Technical Context

Understanding Launch Vehicle Stages

Space launch vehicles operate in multiple stages:

1. Main stage initiates the launch
2. Stage-2 is crucial for transition from atmosphere to outer space
3. Kalam-100 (Stage-3) was successfully tested in June 2021

This achievement by Skyroot Aerospace not only demonstrates the growing capabilities of India’s private space sector but also highlights the successful collaboration between private enterprise and government space agencies, setting the stage for future advancements in India’s space program.